‘In our lifetime, we may not encounter another giant of this nature’

Under Ratan Tata’s chairmanship, the group expanded to over $100 billion. Even after stepping down as Chairman Emeritus, he had a significant impact on the group's remarkable rise and was instrumental in bringing Air India back into the Tata fold—something he had a personal connection with. He will be remembered not just for his business acumen but also for the good he did and the ethical standards he upheld throughout his life.

I feel privileged and honoured that both the schools he attended, Campion and Cathedral,are the same ones that  I studied in, and I take pride in the fact that he became such a legend. I had only one opportunity to briefly meet him, but what struck me was his gentlemanliness and humility. With his passing, that era is gone.

In business, and perhaps in every walk of life, it's rare to find people who uphold not only ethics and values but also gentlemanliness and respect for others. I was only a mid-level executive at an ad agency then, while he was at the helm of multiple companies, yet the courtesy he extended, the politeness with which he spoke, and the attention he gave me are imprinted in my memory.

When someone like him wins millions of hearts, there's a reason for it—a combination of factors. First and foremost is business excellence and results. As the leader of a large conglomerate, he delivered results through hard work, innovative projects, and strategic diversification and acquisitions.

Secondly, he did good. It’s a well-established fact that no corporate matches the Tata’s commitment to genuine charitable work, both in India and globally. He took that commitment to new heights and also supported numerous start-ups, many of which are thriving today.

Thirdly, he upheld core values despite the pressures that come with leading such a vast group, which operates across various industries and governments. Tata established a reputation for unwavering integrity, always choosing to do what is right.

What deserves special mention is his post-retirement phase. Unlike many who slow down after 80, he actively supported numerous start-ups, particularly in emerging sectors. Founders often remark that it wasn't just the funding they received from Tata but the invaluable guidance and mentorship he offered.

For someone who achieved so much and had retired at a peak, his vision to invest in start-ups speaks volumes about the kind of person he was.

From my perspective, it would be fair to say that, at least in the Indian business landscape, we haven't seen a figure of his stature for many decades. It's quite likely that, in our lifetime, we may not encounter another giant of this nature.

I'm confident that the Tata Group will continue on this path and indeed elevate it to even greater heights.